7. Regurgitation: Not Just an Unpleasant Surprise
Many of us have had the unpleasant experience of food or liquid coming back up unexpectedly. However, for individuals with LPR, this isn’t a rare event; it’s part of their daily life. But, this isn’t the typical “heartburn” associated with acid reflux; LPR regurgitation can be more stealthy and even more disruptive.
The mechanism behind this is simple yet distressing. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to keep the stomach’s contents from flowing backward. Now, while many might associate regurgitation with a full-blown reflux where the taste of acid is evident, with LPR, the sensation might be subtler – just a hint of a sour or bitter taste.
Furthermore, the risks associated with untreated regurgitation are noteworthy. Continuous exposure to stomach acid can damage the esophagus and lead to more severe conditions. It emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and intervention for those experiencing this symptom. (7)
